Antimicrobial compositions with enhanced efficacy

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to antimicrobial compositions and methods of making the same. In particular, to antimicrobial hand wash compositions comprising an antimicrobial active and a primary foaming agent comprising a glucosamide. Preferred compositions further comprise a secondary foaming agent and a foam structure enhancing agent.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to ProvisionalApplication U.S. Ser. No. 62/609,603 filed Dec. 22, 2017, hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to antimicrobial compositions. In particular, toantimicrobial hand wash compositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Antimicrobial hand soaps are an important component of maintainingpublic health by reducing the transfer of biological pathogens.Formulation of antimicrobial hand soaps is critical to ensure bothacceptable user aesthetics including foam and feel during wash, as wellas, the ability to reduce bacteria on skin. Moreover, the U.S. FDA isconsidering increasing the performance threshold required forantimicrobial soaps, by updating the passing requirements for thehealthcare personnel hand wash method ASTM 1174. While some formulationsmay be able to meet these increased efficacy standards, many that mayhave sufficient antimicrobial efficacy are harsh on the skin,particularly if used repeatedly. An additional problem is thatefficacious antimicrobial formulations can often have a deleteriouseffect on foaming properties, which are often desirable for hand washes.Further, new formulations, employing different antimicrobial compoundscan often have unexpected interactions with other ingredients such thatthe compositions must be reformulated.

Traditional foaming agents are generally anionic surfactants. Amphotericsurfactants can be added to the primary anionic surfactant to increasefoam height. Unfortunately, many commonly used foaming systems,particularly anionic surfactants, are incompatible with cationic activeingredients. Additionally, many surfactants may be chemically compatiblewith cationic active ingredients, but have a deleterious effect on themicrobiologically efficacy of the active. Currently, most formulationsof this type rely on amine oxide-type surfactants. While amine oxidesurfactant systems can provide acceptable foaming characteristics withsome level of bactericidal activity, current amine oxide-based systemsdon't possess sufficient microbiocidal activity to meet the newrequirements being proposed by the FDA without a high level of activeingredient. Further, when amine oxide levels are increased, they can actas a skin irritant. This has made inclusion of amine oxides at asufficient active concentration undesirable. Alternatives microbiocidalactive components have also included chlorhexidene gluconate (CHG).Typical CHG systems require about 4% active concentration to achievedesired microbiocidal activity. This too can result in skin irritation.

Thus, new antimicrobial hand wash compositions are needed; particularlythose that have increased antimicrobial efficacy and acceptable skincompatibility. Further, it has been found that formulating antimicrobialhandwash compositions comprising a quaternary ammonium compound as anantimicrobial active with foaming surfactants that do not inhibit thecidal activity of the quaternary ammonium compound is critical toantimicrobial performance.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the claimed invention to provideantimicrobial compositions having increased antimicrobial efficacy.

A further object of the invention is to provide antimicrobialcompositions that are dermally compatible with acceptable useaesthetics.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide antimicrobialcompositions that have lower active concentrations of the microbiocidalcomponent while maintaining or increasing antimicrobial efficacy.

Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following specification taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying FIGURE.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An advantage of the present antimicrobial compositions is that theyprovide improved antimicrobial efficacy while being dermally compatible.Yet another advantage of the antimicrobial compositions is that theymaintain desired foaming properties while providing improvedantimicrobial efficacy.

A preferred embodiment includes an antimicrobial composition comprisingfrom about 0.01 wt. % to about 2 wt. % of an antimicrobial activecompound comprising one or more of the following benzalkonium chloride,benzethonium chloride, chlorhexidine gluconate, didecyldimethyl ammoniumchloride and mixtures thereof, wherein the antimicrobial active compoundhas antimicrobial activity toward Gram positive and/or Gram negativemicroorganisms; from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. % of a primaryfoaming agent, wherein the primary foaming agent comprises a glucosamideor a mixture of a glucosamide and a C8-C16 amine oxide derivative; andfrom about 65 wt. % to about 99.7 wt. % of a carrier; wherein thecomposition has a pH between about 5 and about 9.

A further preferred embodiment includes a dilutable antimicrobialcomposition comprising from about 0.3 wt. % to about 25 wt. % of anantimicrobial active compound comprising one or more of the followingbenzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, chlorhexidine gluconate,and mixtures thereof, wherein the antimicrobial active compound hasantimicrobial activity toward Gram positive and/or Gram negativemicroorganisms; from about 3 wt. % to about 50 wt. % of a primaryfoaming agent, wherein the primary foaming agent comprises a glucosamideor a mixture of a glucosamide and a C8-C16 amine oxide derivative; andoptionally from about 0 wt. % to about 96.75 wt. % of a carrier; whereinthe composition has a pH between about 5 and about 9.

Another preferred embodiment includes methods of preparing antimicrobialcompositions in use and/or dilutable concentrations comprising mixing:

-   -   (a) an antimicrobial active compound comprising one or more of        the following benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride,        chlorhexidine gluconate, didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride, and        mixtures thereof, wherein the antimicrobial active compound has        antimicrobial activity toward Gram positive and/or Gram negative        microorganisms;    -   (b) a primary foaming agent, wherein the primary foaming agent        comprises a glucosamide or a mixture of a glucosamide and a        C8-C16 amine oxide derivative; and    -   (c) optionally from about 0 wt. % to about 96.5 wt. % of a        carrier;    -   (d) wherein the composition has a pH between about 5 and about        9.

While multiple embodiments of the antimicrobial compositions aredisclosed, still other embodiments may become apparent to those skilledin the art from the following detailed description, which shows anddescribes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, thedetailed description, exemplary embodiments, and working examples are tobe regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

The FIGURE shows bar graph comparing the antimicrobial performance of anexemplary antimicrobial composition against various commerciallyavailable antimicrobial hand wash compositions. The FIGURE isrepresentative of the data provided in Table 12 of Example 7.

The FIGURE contained herein is not a limitation on the variousembodiments described herein and is purely exemplary of a preferredembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The embodiments of antimicrobial compositions are not limited toparticular methods of preparation or use, which can vary and areunderstood by skilled artisans. It is further to be understood that allterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting in any manner orscope. For example, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” can include pluralreferents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, allunits, prefixes, and symbols may be denoted in its SI accepted form.

Numeric ranges recited within the specification are inclusive of thenumbers defining the range and include each integer within the definedrange. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of this invention arepresented in a range format. It should be understood that thedescription in range format is merely for convenience and brevity andshould not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be consideredto have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges, fractions,and individual numerical values within that range. For example,description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to havespecifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well asindividual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6,and decimals and fractions, for example, 1.2, 3.8, 1½, and 4¾. Thisapplies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Definitions

So that the present invention may be more readily understood, certainterms are first defined. Unless defined otherwise, all technical andscientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments ofthe invention pertain. Many methods and materials similar, modified, orequivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of theembodiments of the present invention without undue experimentation, thepreferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing andclaiming the embodiments of the present invention, the followingterminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set outbelow.

The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variation in the numericalquantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuringtechniques and equipment, with respect to any quantifiable variable,including, but not limited to, mass, volume, time, distance, wavelength, frequency, voltage, current, and electromagnetic field. Further,given solid and liquid handling procedures used in the real world, thereis certain inadvertent error and variation that is likely throughdifferences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredientsused to make the compositions or carry out the methods and the like. Theterm “about” also encompasses these variations. Whether or not modifiedby the term “about,” the claims include equivalents to the quantities.

The methods and compositions of the present invention may comprise,consist essentially of, or consist of the components and ingredients ofthe present invention as well as other ingredients described herein. Asused herein, “consisting essentially of” means that the methods,systems, apparatuses and compositions may include additional steps,components or ingredients, but only if the additional steps, componentsor ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novelcharacteristics of the claimed methods, systems, apparatuses, andcompositions.

The term “actives” or “percent actives” or “percent by weight actives”or “actives concentration” are used interchangeably herein and refers tothe concentration of those ingredients involved in cleaning expressed asa percentage minus inert ingredients such as water or salts. It is alsosometimes indicated by a percentage in parentheses, for example,“chemical (10%).”

As used herein, the term “alkyl” or “alkyl groups” refers to saturatedhydrocarbons having one or more carbon atoms, including straight-chainalkyl groups (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl,octyl, nonyl, decyl, etc.), cyclic alkyl groups (or “cycloalkyl” or“alicyclic” or “carbocyclic” groups) (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl,cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, etc.), branched-chain alkyl groups(e.g., isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, etc.), andalkyl-substituted alkyl groups (e.g., alkyl-substituted cycloalkylgroups and cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups).

Unless otherwise specified, the term “alkyl” includes both“unsubstituted alkyls” and “substituted alkyls.” As used herein, theterm “substituted alkyls” refers to alkyl groups having substituentsreplacing one or more hydrogens on one or more carbons of thehydrocarbon backbone. Such substituents may include, for example,alkenyl, alkynyl, halogeno, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy,alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate,alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl,alkylaminocarbonyl, dialkylaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl,phosphate, phosphonato, phosphinato, cyano, amino (including alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, and alkylarylamino),acylamino (including alkylcarbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, carbamoyland ureido), imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthio, thiocarboxylate,sulfates, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonates, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, nitro,trifluoromethyl, cyano, azido, heterocyclic, alkylaryl, or aromatic(including heteroaromatic) groups.

In some embodiments, substituted alkyls can include a heterocyclicgroup. As used herein, the term “heterocyclic group” includes closedring structures analogous to carbocyclic groups in which one or more ofthe carbon atoms in the ring is an element other than carbon, forexample, nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen. Heterocyclic groups may besaturated or unsaturated. Exemplary heterocyclic groups include, but arenot limited to, aziridine, ethylene oxide (epoxides, oxiranes), thiirane(episulfides), dioxirane, azetidine, oxetane, thietane, dioxetane,dithietane, dithiete, azolidine, pyrrolidine, pyrroline, oxolane,dihydrofuran, and furan.

Use of the term antimicrobial “-cidal” effect or activity, refers to alethal, irreversible action resulting in complete microbial celldestruction or incapacitation.

As used herein, the term “cleaning” refers to a method used tofacilitate or aid in soil removal, bleaching, microbial populationreduction, and any combination thereof. As used herein, the term“microorganism” refers to any noncellular or unicellular (includingcolonial) organism or infective protein. Microorganisms include allprokaryotes. Microorganisms include bacteria (including cyanobacteria),spores, lichens, fungi, yeasts, protozoa, virinos, viroids, viruses,phages, and some algae. As used herein, the term “microbe” is synonymouswith microorganism.

The term “surfactant” refers to a molecule having surface activity,including wetting agents, dispersants, emulsifiers, detergents, andfoaming agents, and the like. It is understood to be inclusive of theuse of a single surfactant or multiple surfactants.

The term “weight percent,” “wt. %,” “wt-%,” “percent by weight,” “% byweight,” and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to theconcentration of a substance as the weight of that substance divided bythe total weight of the composition and multiplied by 100.

For the purpose of this patent application, successful microbialreduction is achieved when the microbial populations are reduced by atleast about 0.5 log, or by significantly more than is achieved by a washwith water. Larger reductions in microbial population provide greaterlevels of protection.

As used herein, the term “soil” or “stain” refers to a non-polar oilysubstance which may or may not contain particulate matter such asmineral clays, sand, natural mineral matter, carbon black, graphite,kaolin, environmental dust, etc.

As used herein, the term “substantially free” refers to compositionscompletely lacking the component or having such a small amount of thecomponent that the component does not affect the performance of thecomposition. The component may be present as an impurity or as acontaminant and shall be less than 0.1 wt-%. In another embodiment, theamount of the component is less than 0.05 wt-% and in yet anotherembodiment, the amount of component is 0 wt-%.

As used herein, the phrase “water soluble” means that the material issoluble in water in the present composition. In general, the materialshould be soluble at 25° C. at a concentration of between about 0.1 wt.% and about 15 wt. % of the water, more preferably at a concentration ofbetween about 0.1 wt. % and about 10 wt. %.

The term “weight percent,” “wt-%,” “percent by weight,” “% by weight,”and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of asubstance as the weight of that substance divided by the total weight ofthe composition and multiplied by 100. It is understood that, as usedhere, “percent,” “%,” and the like are intended to be synonymous with“weight percent,” “wt-%,” etc.

The methods, systems, apparatuses, and compositions described herein maycomprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components andingredients as well as other ingredients. As used herein, “consistingessentially of” means that the methods, systems, apparatuses andcompositions may include additional steps, components or ingredients,but only if the additional steps, components or ingredients do notmaterially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimedmethods, systems, apparatuses, and compositions.

Compositions

Surprisingly the antimicrobial compositions described herein have beenfound to maintain or improve antimicrobial efficacy while being inactive concentrations lower than many existing antimicrobial activessuch as CHG. Additionally, the antimicrobial compositions describedherein have been found to be dermally compatible and less irritatingthan existing products that provide the same level of microbiocidalefficacy.

Many surfactants inhibit the microbiological efficacy of cationic activeingredients such benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, andchlorhexidine gluconate. Thus, it has proven difficult to formulatecleaning compositions with cationic active ingredients that retainantimicrobial activity, provide adequate foaming characteristics, andpossess acceptable skin compatibility. Moreover, as antimicrobialperformance thresholds continue to be raised, the difficulty offormulating compositions meeting the performance requirements has becomeincreasingly difficult. Thus, the compositions of the invention seek tosolve these problems as well as other problems identified herein orothers recognized in the art.

For example, amine oxides were also found to provide desired foaming andantimicrobial properties, but tend to be harsher on skin at higherconcentrations. Thus, they can be employed, but it has been found that alesser concentration can be preferred for embodiments with prolonged orrepeated skin contact. Alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) were found to havemoderate foaming and antimicrobial properties, but desired skincompatability. Betaines were found to provide desired foaming, poorantimicrobial properties, and moderate skin compatability. Based onthese findings, it was determined that the primary foaming agent ispreferably a glucamide, amine oxide, amine oxide derivative, or mixturethereof. Betaines and APGs can be included in the compositions in lesserconcentrations, but are preferably absent from the compositions.

As demonstrated in the Examples contained herein, we have found thatglucamides provide desired foaming, antimicrobial properties, and skincompatibility. The compositions can comprise an antimicrobial activecompound, a carrier, and a primary foaming agent. In a preferredembodiment, the compositions can comprise an antimicrobial activecompound, a carrier, a primary foaming agent, a secondary foaming agent,a chelant, and optionally one or more additional functional ingredients.In a more preferred embodiment, the compositions can comprise anantimicrobial active compound, a carrier, a primary foaming agent, asecondary foaming agent, a foam enhancing agent a chelant, an emollient,a preservative, and optionally one or more additional functionalingredients.

Unexpectedly it has been found that the primary foaming agents describedherein can work in conjunction with the cationic active ingredients toprovide desired foam properties while not inhibiting the antimicrobialproperties. Moreover, some of the embodiments of the invention have beenfound to provide unexpected synergistic antimicrobial properties whilemaintaining foam properties and providing the desired skin compatibilityand aesthetics.

Antimicrobial Active

The compositions comprise one or more antimicrobial active compounds,which have antimicrobial activity toward Gram positive and/or Gramnegative microorganisms, including, preferably against E. coli, S.marcescens, and S. aureus (MRSA). Preferred antimicrobial activecompounds include: benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride,chlorhexidine gluconate, didecyldimethylamonium chloride, and mixturesthereof.

Preferably, at use dilution the compositions comprise from about 0.01wt-% to about 2 wt-% antimicrobial active, more preferably from about0.05 wt-% to about 1.5 wt-% antimicrobial active, and most preferablyfrom about 0.1 wt-% to about 1.0 wt-% antimicrobial active.

Preferably, in a concentrated composition, the antimicrobial active isin an amount between about 0.3 wt. % and about 25 wt. %, more preferablybetween about 0.5 wt. % and about 15 wt. %, and most preferably betweenabout 1 wt. % and about 10 wt. %

In a preferred embodiment, the antimicrobial active contains less than0.1 wt. % triclosan (2,4,4′-trichloro-2′hydroxy-diphenylether),preferably less than 0.05 wt. % triclosan, and most preferably is freeof triclosan.

Carrier

The compositions comprise one or more carriers. Preferred carriers caninclude, but are not limited to, water and/or water-soluble carriers.Preferred water-soluble carriers include, but are not limited to,alcohols including ethanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol or mixturesthereof. In a preferred embodiment comprising water as a carrier, thewater is deionized water or softened water.

The antimicrobial composition does not require a low pH or a high pH toprovide a rapid reduction in microbial populations. Preferably theantimicrobial compositions have a pH of between about 3.5 and about 9,more preferably between about 4.5 and about 8, and most preferablybetween about 5.5 and about 7.5 Within this pH range, the antimicrobialcompositions effectively reduce microbial populations, and areacceptable for dermal use.

Preferably, the use dilution compositions comprise from about 51 wt-% toabout 99.7 wt-% carrier, more preferably from about 75 wt-% to about99.5 wt-% carrier, and most preferably from about 80 wt-% to about 97.5wt-% carrier.

Preferably, in a concentrated composition, the carrier is in an amountbetween about 0 wt. % and about 96.5 wt. %, more preferably betweenabout 5 wt. % and about 94.5 wt. %, and most preferably between about 10wt. % and about 91.5 wt. %

Primary Foaming Agent

The compositions comprise one or more primary foaming agents. Primarysurfactants are responsible for the generation of foam volume. Preferredfoaming agents include nonionic surfactants. Examples of nonionicprimary surfactants include glucosamides and amine oxide derivatives.Both of these classes of surfactant provide adequate foam generation anddo not have a significant negative impact on microbiological efficacy.In a preferred embodiment, the compositions comprise one or more primaryfoaming agents.

Preferred glucosamides are those having less than 18 carbons in thealkyl chain. More preferred are C8-C16 glucosamides which include, butare not limited to, capryloyl/caproyl methyl glucosamide, cocoyl methylglucosamide, lauroyl/myristoyl methyl glucosamide, and mixtures thereof.Most preferred are glucosamides having between about 10 and about 14carbons in the alkyl chain. A preferred glucosamide is lauroyl methylglucosamide as shown in the formula below:

One surprising finding is that while glucosamides are suitable for thecompositions, structurally similar surfactants such as widely usedC8-C18 glucosides are not suitable. C8-C18 glucosides were found to havea detrimental effect on microbiological efficacy. This is demonstratedin Example 1 in this disclosure. The inhibitory effect observed withC8-C18 glucosides, and the lack of a similar inhibitory effect with theC8-C18 glucosamide surfactants is surprising due to the high degree ofstructural similarity. The polar head group of the glucoside andglucosamide classes of surfactants are shown below. Head groups aredepicted in their ring open state.

The primary foaming surfactant can also comprise an alkyl amine oxide oralkyl ether amine oxide, hereto referred to a amine oxides. Amine oxidesare a semi-polar type of nonionic surface active agents composed oftertiary amine oxides corresponding to the general formulas:

wherein the arrow is a conventional representation of a semi-polar bond;and, R¹, R², and R³ may be aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic, alicyclic,or combinations thereof. Generally, for amine oxides of detergentinterest, R¹ is an alkyl radical of from about 8 to about 24 carbonatoms; R² and R³ are alkyl or hydroxyalkyl of 1-3 carbon atoms or amixture thereof; R² and R³ can be attached to each other, e.g. throughan oxygen or nitrogen atom, to form a ring structure; R⁴ is an alkylene,a hydroxyalkylene group, or a alkylether group, containing 2 to 3 carbonatoms; and n ranges from 0 to about 20. An amine oxide can be generatedfrom the corresponding amine and an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogenperoxide. If an amine oxide is included in the composition, it ispreferably a C8-18 amine oxide.

Useful water soluble amine oxide surfactants are selected from theoctyl, decyl, dodecyl, isododecyl, coconut, or tallow alkyl di-(loweralkyl) amine oxides, specific examples of which are octyldimethylamineoxide, nonyldimethylamine oxide, decyldimethylamine oxide,undecyldimethylamine oxide, dodecyldimethylamine oxide,iso-dodecyldimethyl amine oxide, tridecyldimethylamine oxide,tetradecyldimethylamine oxide, pentadecyldimethylamine oxide,hexadecyldimethylamine oxide, heptadecyldimethylamine oxide,octadecyldimethylaine oxide, dodecyldipropylamine oxide,tetradecyldipropylamine oxide, hexadecyldipropylamine oxide,tetradecyldibutylamine oxide, octadecyldibutylamine oxide,bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dodecylamine oxide,bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-dodecoxy-1-hydroxypropylamine oxide,dimethyl-(2-hydroxydodecyl)amine oxide, 3,6,9-trioctadecyldimethylamineoxide and 3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyldi-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide.

The compositions preferably comprise a glucosamide or a mixture of aglucosamide and amine oxide. Preferably the primary foaming agent has aratio of glucosamide to amine oxide between about 100:0 (where there isno amine oxide) to about 50:50. In an embodiment where there is amixture of glucosamide and amine oxide, preferably the ratio ofglucosamide to amine oxide is between about 90:10 and about 50:50, morepreferably between about 90:10 and about 60:40, even more preferablybetween about 90:10 and about 70:30.

The compositions of the invention can comprise the primary foaming agentin a concentration of between about 0.5 wt. % and about 8 wt. %,preferably about 1 wt. % and about 6 wt. %, and more preferably betweenabout 1 wt. % and about 4 wt. %. In a concentrated composition, theprimary foaming agent can be in an amount between about 3 wt. % andabout 50 wt. %, preferably between about 4 wt. % and about 45 wt. %,more preferably between about 5 wt. % and about 40 wt. %.

While amine oxides are often employed in dermal cleansers, it ispreferred that they only be used in a small amount in these compositionsdue to their defatting properties, which can cause skin irritation anddryness. As such, in preferred embodiments, the antimicrobialcompositions can be substantially free of an amine oxide surfactant orcontain less than about 3 wt. %; more preferably, less than about 2 wt.%; still more preferably; less than about 1.5 wt. %, even morepreferably; less than about 1 wt. %; yet more preferably less than about0.5 wt. %; and most preferably less than about 0.1 wt. %.

Secondary Foaming Agent

The compositions comprise one or more secondary foaming agents.Preferred foaming agents, include, amphoteric surfactants, nonionicsurfactants, and cationic surfactants. In a preferred embodiment, thecompositions comprise one or more secondary foaming agents; in a morepreferred embodiment the compositions comprise two or more secondaryfoaming agents. Suitable secondary foaming agents are discussed below.

The compositions of the invention can comprise the secondary foamingagent in a concentration of between about 0.1 wt. % and about 5 wt. %,preferably about 0.5 wt. % and about 4 wt. %, and more preferablybetween about 1 wt. % and about 2.5 wt. %. In a concentratedcomposition, the secondary foaming agent can be in an amount betweenabout 1 wt. % and about 30 wt. %, preferably between about 4 wt. % andabout 25 wt. %, more preferably between about 8 wt. % and about 20 wt.%.

Cationic Surfactants

Examples of cationic surfactants suitable as foaming agents include, butare not limited to, quaternized polysaccharides, alkyl polysaccharides,alkoxylated amines, alkoxylated ether amines, and mixtures thereof.

Cationic surfactants preferably include, more preferably refer to,compounds containing at least one long carbon chain hydrophobic groupand at least one positively charged nitrogen. The long carbon chaingroup may be attached directly to the nitrogen atom by simplesubstitution; or more preferably indirectly by a bridging functionalgroup or groups in so-called interrupted alkylamines and amido amines.Such functional groups can make the molecule more hydrophilic and/ormore water dispersible, more easily water solubilized by co-surfactantmixtures, and/or water soluble. For increased water solubility,additional primary, secondary or tertiary amino groups can be introducedor the amino nitrogen can be quaternized with low molecular weight alkylgroups. Further, the nitrogen can be a part of branched or straightchain moiety of varying degrees of unsaturation or of a saturated orunsaturated heterocyclic ring. In addition, cationic surfactants maycontain complex linkages having more than one cationic nitrogen atom.

The surfactant compounds classified as amphoterics and zwitterions arethemselves typically cationic in near neutral to acidic pH solutions andcan overlap surfactant classifications. Polyoxyethylated cationicsurfactants generally behave like nonionic surfactants in alkalinesolution and like cationic surfactants in acidic solution. At pH levelsless than 4, amine oxide type surfactants can also have some cationiccharacter.

The simplest cationic amines, amine salts and quaternary ammoniumcompounds can be schematically drawn thus:

in which, R represents a long alkyl chain, R′, R″, and R′″ may be eitherlong alkyl chains or smaller alkyl or aryl groups or hydrogen and Xrepresents an anion. The amine salts and quaternary ammonium compoundsare preferred for practical use in this invention due to their highdegree of water solubility.

The majority of large volume commercial cationic surfactants can besubdivided into four major classes and additional sub-groups known tothose or skill in the art and described in “Surfactant Encyclopedia”,Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104 (2) 86-96 (1989). The first classincludes alkylamines and their salts. The second class includes alkylimidazolines. The third class includes ethoxylated amines. The fourthclass includes quaternaries, such as alkylbenzyldimethylammonium salts,alkyl benzene salts, heterocyclic ammonium salts, tetra alkylammoniumsalts, and the like. Cationic surfactants are known to have a variety ofproperties that can be beneficial in the present compositions. Thesedesirable properties can include detergency in compositions of or belowneutral pH, antimicrobial efficacy, thickening or gelling in cooperationwith other agents, and the like.

Examples of cationic surfactants includes the chloride, bromide, ormethosulfate salts of alkyltrimethylammonium species where the alkylgroup chain length is C8-C18, the preferred alkyl chain length is C8-16,and the most preferred alkyl chain length is C8-C14.

Nonionic Surfactants

Examples of nonionic surfactants suitable as foaming agents include, butare not limited to, alcohol ethoxylates, fatty acid ethoxylates, alkylphenol ethoxylate, monoalkonaolamide ethoxylates, sorbitan esters andtheir ethoxylated derivatives, ethoxylated fats and oils, amineethoxylates, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide co-polymers, glycol esters,glycerol and polyglycerol esters, sucrose esters mono andpolysaccharides surfactants, such as alkyl polyglucosides.alkyl alcoholethoxylates, capped alkyl alcohol ethoxylates, fatty alcohol ethoxylatepropoxylates, ethoxylated siloxane copolymers (PEG dimethicone)including alkyl capped, PEG/PPG dimethicones, mixtures thereof, or thelike. Preferred substituted amides include, but are not limited to,glucosamides.

The antimicrobial composition can contain a nonionic surfactantcomponent that includes a detersive amount of nonionic surfactant or amixture of nonionic surfactants. Typically, a nonionic surfactant has ahydrophobic region, such as a long chain alkyl group or an alkylatedaryl group, and a hydrophilic group comprising an ethoxy and/or otherhydrophilic moieties.

Phospholipids and Phospholipid Derivatives

Phospholipid and/or phospholipid derivative surfactants can also beincluded. Preferred phospholipid derivatives include, but are notlimited to, diester and triester phosphatides with multiple chaingroups, and mixtures thereof. Preferred phospholipid surfactantsinclude, but are not limited to coco PG-dimonium chloride phosphate,myristamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, linoleamidopropylPG-dimonium chloride phosphate, stearamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloridephosphate, and mixtures thereof.

Amphoteric Surfactants

Amphoteric, or ampholytic, surfactants contain both a basic and anacidic hydrophilic group and an organic hydrophobic group. These ionicentities may be any of anionic or cationic groups described herein forother types of surfactants. A basic nitrogen and an acidic carboxylategroup are the typical functional groups employed as the basic and acidichydrophilic groups. In a few surfactants, sulfonate, sulfate,phosphonate or phosphate provide the negative charge.

Amphoteric surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives ofaliphatic secondary and tertiary amines, in which the aliphatic radicalmay be straight chain or branched and wherein one of the aliphaticsubstituents contains from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and one containsan anionic water solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfo, sulfato,phosphato, or phosphono. Amphoteric surfactants are subdivided into twomajor classes known to those of skill in the art and described in“Surfactant Encyclopedia” Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104 (2) 69-71(1989), which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Thefirst class includes acyl/dialkyl ethylenediamine derivatives (e.g.2-alkyl hydroxyethyl imidazoline derivatives) and their salts. Thesecond class includes N-alkylamino acids and their salts. Someamphoteric surfactants can be envisioned as fitting into both classes.

Commercially prominent imidazoline-derived amphoterics that can beemployed in the present compositions include for example:Cocoamphopropionate, Cocoamphocarboxy-propionate, Cocoamphoglycinate,Cocoamphocarboxy-glycinate, Cocoamphopropyl-sulfonate, andCocoamphocarboxy-propionic acid. Amphocarboxylic acids can be producedfrom fatty imidazolines in which the dicarboxylic acid functionality ofthe amphodicarboxylic acid is diacetic acid and/or dipropionic acid.

The carboxymethylated compounds (glycinates) described herein abovefrequently are called betaines. Betaines are a special class ofamphoteric discussed herein below in the section entitled, ZwitterionSurfactants.

Suitable amphoteric surfactants include those derived from coconutproducts such as coconut oil or coconut fatty acid. Additional suitablecoconut derived surfactants include as part of their structure anethylenediamine moiety, an alkanolamide moiety, an amino acid moiety,e.g., glycine, or a combination thereof; and an aliphatic substituent offrom about 8 to 18 (e.g., 12) carbon atoms. Such a surfactant can alsobe considered an alkyl amphodicarboxylic acid. These amphotericsurfactants can include chemical structures represented as:C₁₂-alkyl-C(O)—NH—CH₂—CH₂—N⁺(CH₂—CH₂—CO₂Na)₂—CH₂—CH₂—OH orC₁₂-alkyl-C(O)—N(H)—CH₂—CH₂—N⁺(CH₂—CO₂Na)₂—CH₂—CH₂—OH. Disodiumcocoampho dipropionate is one suitable amphoteric surfactant and iscommercially available under the tradename Miranol™ FBS from RhodiaInc., Cranbury, N.J. Another suitable coconut derived amphotericsurfactant with the chemical name disodium cocoampho diacetate is soldunder the tradename Mirataine™ JCHA, also from Rhodia Inc., Cranbury,N.J.

A typical listing of amphoteric classes, and species of thesesurfactants, is given in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 issued to Laughlin andHeuring on Dec. 30, 1975. Further examples are given in “Surface ActiveAgents and Detergents” (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch).

Zwitterionic Surfactants

Zwitterionic surfactants can be thought of as a subset of the amphotericsurfactants and can include an anionic charge. Zwitterionic surfactantscan be broadly described as derivatives of secondary and tertiaryamines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, orderivatives of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium or tertiarysulfonium compounds. Typically, a zwitterionic surfactant includes apositive charged quaternary ammonium or, in some cases, a sulfonium orphosphonium ion; a negative charged carboxyl group; and an alkyl group.Zwitterionics generally contain cationic and anionic groups which ionizeto a nearly equal degree in the isoelectric region of the molecule andwhich can develop strong “inner-salt” attraction betweenpositive-negative charge centers. Examples of such zwitterionicsynthetic surfactants include derivatives of aliphatic quaternaryammonium, phosphonium, and sulfonium compounds, in which the aliphaticradicals can be straight chain or branched, and wherein one of thealiphatic substituents contains from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and onecontains an anionic water solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfonate,sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate.

Examples of zwitterionic surfactants having the structures listed aboveinclude:4-[N,N-di(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-octadecylammonio]-butane-1-carboxylate;5-[S-3-hydroxypropyl-S-hexadecylsulfonio]-3-hydroxypentane-1-sulfate;3-[P,P-diethyl-P-3,6,9-trioxatetracosanephosphonio]-2-hydroxypropane-1-phosphate;3[N,N-dipropyl-N-3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyl-ammonio]-propane-1-phosphonate;3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio)-propane-1-sulfonate;3-(N,N-dimethyl-N-hexadecylammonio)-2-hydroxy-propane-1-sulfonate;4-[N,N-di(2(2-hydroxyethyl)-N(2-hydroxydodecyl)ammonio]-butane-1-carboxylate;3-[S-ethyl-S-(3-dodecoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)sulfonio]-propane-1-phosphate;3[P,P-dimethyl-P-dodecylphosphonio]-propane-1-phosphonate; andS[N,N-di(3-hydroxypropyl)-N-hexadecylammonio]-2-hydroxy-pentane-1-sulfate.The alkyl groups contained in said detergent surfactants can be straightor branched and saturated or unsaturated.

For example, the compositions can include cocoamido propyl betaine,however, the level of betaine in the system can have a negative impacton efficacy requiring additional active ingredient to compensate forefficacy. Due to this interaction, the amount of betaine in the systemis preferably less than 1%, more preferably less than 0.5%, and mostpreferably free of betaine.

Preferred secondary foaming agents include, lauryl trimethyl ammoniumchloride, palmitamidopropyl trimonium chloride, diester phosphatideswith multiple chain groups, triester phosphatides, coco PG-dimoniumchloride phosphate, myristamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate,linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, stearamidopropylPG-dimonium chloride phosphate, and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the compositions comprise from about 0.1 wt-% to about 5wt-% foaming agent, more preferably from about 0.5 wt-% to about 4.5wt-% foaming agent, and most preferably from about 1.5 wt-% to about 4wt-% foaming agent.

Chelants

The compositions can optionally comprise one or more chelants. Preferredchelants, include, but are not limited to, phosphonic acid andphosphonates, phosphates, aminocarboxylates and their derivatives,pyrophosphates, ethylenediamine and ethylenetriamine derivatives,hydroxyacids, and mono-, di-, and tri-carboxylates and theircorresponding acids. Other chelants include nitroloacetates and theirderivatives, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of aminocarboxylates include amino acetates and salts thereof.Suitable amino acetates include: N-hydroxyethylaminodiacetic acid;hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA);ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), including its various salts;N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA);diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA); and alanine-N,N-diaceticacid; and methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA);n-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid; and the like; their alkali metalsalts; and mixtures thereof. Suitable aminophosphates includenitrilotrismethylene phosphates and other aminophosphates with alkyl oralkaline groups with less than 8 carbon atoms.

Exemplary polycarboxylates iminodisuccinic acids (IDS), sodiumpolyacrylates, citric acid, gluconic acid, oxalic acid, salts thereof,mixtures thereof, and the like. Additional polycarboxylates includecitric or citrate-type chelating agents, polymeric polycarboxylate, andacrylic or polyacrylic acid-type chelating agents. Additional chelantsinclude polyaspartic acid or co-condensates of aspartic acid with otheramino acids, C₄-C₂₅-mono-or-dicarboxylic acids andC₄-C₂₅-mono-or-diamines. Exemplary polymeric polycarboxylates includepolyacrylic acid, maleic/olefin copolymer, acrylic/maleic copolymer,polymethacrylic acid, acrylic acid-methacrylic acid copolymers,hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, hydrolyzed polymethacrylamide, hydrolyzedpolyamide-methacrylamide copolymers, hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile,hydrolyzed polymethacrylonitrile, hydrolyzedacrylonitrile-methacrylonitrile copolymers, and the like.

Preferred chelants include, EDTA, MGDA, and NTA. Most preferred chelantsinclude EDTA and MGDA.

The addition of a chelant in antimicrobial compositions can provideincreased efficacy against gram negative microorganisms. Surprisingly,however, it was found that certain chelating agents providedsubstantially increased efficacy against gram negative microorganismswhile others provided little to no improvement. Glutamic acid diaceticacid (GLDA) is an amino acid-based chelating agent. It is well-known forits ability to boost the efficacy of biocides across a wide variety offormulation types, including personal care products. Surprisingly, theaddition of GLDA to a base formula did not show any enhancement ofantimicrobial efficacy. Methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), like GLDA, isan amino acid-containing chelating agent. Their structures are shownbelow:

Despite the structural similarities of these two compounds, thefunctional effect of the two compounds vary drastically. The addition ofMGDA was found to significantly enhance the biocidal activity of thecationic active-containing base formula.

Traditional chelating agents, including EDTA, were also shown to have apositive impact on microbiological efficacy, particularly against gramnegative organisms.

In a preferred use dilution embodiment, the compositions can comprisefrom about 0.01 wt-% to about 1 wt-% chelant, more preferably from about0.05 wt-% to about 0.5 wt-% chelant, and most preferably from about 0.1wt-% to about 0.4 wt-% chelant.

In a preferred concentrated embodiment, the compositions can comprisefrom about 0.1 wt-% to about 10 wt-% chelant, more preferably from about0.5 wt-% to about 5 wt-% chelant, and most preferably from about 1 wt-%to about 4 wt-% chelant.

Foam Structure Enhancing Agent

In preferred embodiments, the compositions can comprise one or more foamstructure enhancing agents. Foam structure enhancing agents are agentsthat change the physical foam structure including foam stability, bubblesize, density and rigidity thereby imparting sensorial attributes duringthe washing process. Users may describe such sensorial attributes aslather, creaminess, cushion, and/or slip. Preferred foam structureenhancing agents, include, but are not limited to, hexylene glycol,polyols, such as glycerol (glycerin), propylene glycol, hexylene glycol,diethylene glycol, propylene glycol n-alkanols, ethylene glycol,polyethylene glycols, other glycols and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the compositions can comprise from about 0.05 wt-% to about4 wt-% foam structure enhancing agent, more preferably from about 0.5wt-% to about 3 wt-% foam structure enhancing agent, and most preferablyfrom about 1 wt-% to about 2 wt-% foam structure enhancing agent. In aconcentrated formulation, the foam structure enhancing agent ispreferably in an amount between about 0.5 wt. % and about 40 wt. %, morepreferably between about 1 wt. % and about 30 wt. %, most preferablybetween about 1 wt. % and about 10 wt. %.

In a preferred embodiment a novel foam structure agent is disclosed as alinear, non-substituted high molecular weight polyethylene glycol, suchas PEG 300 or greater, or PEG 1000 or greater. In a particularlypreferred embodiment the PEG 8000 is the foam structure enhancing agent.

Examples of other foam structure enhancing agents include an organicsolvent, other than a short chain alcohol, typically soluble in bothwater and oil. Examples of foam structure enhancing agents according tothe present invention include: polyols, such as glycerol (glycerin),propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycoln-alkanols, ethylene glycol, other glycols, monooleate of ethoxylatedglycerides (with 8 to 10 ethylene oxide units); esters, such asisopropyl myristate/palmitate, myristyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, lauryllactate, amides, such as acetamide oleates such as triolein; Accordingto one preferred embodiment the foam stabilizer is hexylene glycol.

The foam structure enhancing agents constituent may also comprise atleast one a fatty alkanolamide, examples of which include but are notlimited to: cocamide MEA, cocamide DEA, soyamide DEA, lauramide DEA,oleamide MIPA, stearamide MEA, myristamide MEA, lauramide MEA, capramideDEA, ricinoleamide DEA, myristamide DEA, stearamide DEA, oleylamide DEA,tallowamide DEA, lauramide MIPA, tallowamide MEA, isostearamide DEA,isostearamide MEA, and mixtures thereof. Alkanol amides may provide anancillary thickening benefit as well. A preferred alkanol amide isdiisopropanolamide, such as the Cola® liquid non-DEA amides availablefrom Colonial chemical which includes cocamide DIPA(diisopropanolamide), Soyamide DIPA, lauramide DIPA, or myristamideDIPA. In a preferred embodiment the composition is substantially free ofDEA and/or MEA, such as in cocamide DEA.

In yet another preferred embodiment the composition includesdiisopropanolamide as a part of the foam structure enhancing component.Diisopropanolamide may be present in the entire composition in an amountof from about 0.01 wt. % to about 8 wt. %, from about 0.05 wt. % toabout 5 wt. % and more preferably from about 0.1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %.

Additional foam structure enhancing agents may include agents thatmodify slip during the hand washing process by helping the foamstructure enhancing agents to flow more easily and more smoothly in thehand of a user. Examples of these agents may include; caprylyl glycol,ethylhexyl glycerine and phenoxyethanol. According to one preferredembodiment the foam structure enhancing agent is phenoxyethanol.Phenoxyethanol is often recognized as a preservative; however, it wassurprisingly found that it acted as an excellent foam structureenhancing agent. The slip modifying agent is present in the compositionin an amount from about 0.05 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, preferably fromabout 0.1 wt. % to about 7 wt. %.

Additional Ingredients

The antimicrobial compositions can include additional optionalcomponents. Often these components are added for functional benefitsand/or properties. As such, in some embodiments, the antimicrobialcomposition including the antimicrobial active component, foamingsurfactant, and carrier may provide a large amount, or even all of thetotal weight of the antimicrobial composition, for example, inembodiments having few or no additional functional materials disposedtherein. The functional ingredients provide desired properties andfunctionalities to the antimicrobial composition. For the purpose ofthis application, the term “functional ingredients” include ingredientsthat when dispersed or dissolved in a use and/or concentrate solution,such as an aqueous solution, provide a beneficial property in aparticular use. The antimicrobial compositions can optionally containother disinfectants, dyes, emollients, fragrances, pH modifiers,preservatives, sanitizers, surfactants, and thickening or gellingagents. Some particular examples of additional functional ingredientsare discussed in more detail below, but it should be understood theparticular ingredients discussed below are given by way of example only,and that a broad variety of other functional ingredients may be used.For example, may of the functional material discussed below relate tomaterials used in disinfecting and/or cleansing applications, but itshould be understood that other embodiments may include functionalmaterials for use in other applications.

Dye

The composition may optionally include a dye. Examples of dyes includeany water soluble or product soluble dye, any FD&C or D&C approved dye.

Emollient

The compositions can optionally comprise one or more emollients.Preferred emollients, include, but are not limited to, capric/caprylictriglyceride, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, capric triglyceride, caprylictriglyceride, isopropyl myristrate, isopropyl palmitate, octyldodecanol,decyl oleate, cocoglycerides, ethylhexyl stearate, ceterarylisononanoate, cetearyl ethyhexanonate, decyl cocoate, cetyl dimethicone,ethylhexyl palmitate, PPG-11 stearyl ether, PPG-15 stearyl ether, PPG-14butyl ether, dicaprylyl carbonate, dibutyl adipate, hexyl laurate,dicaprylyl ether, propylheptyl caprylate, isocetyl palmitate,hydrogentated polyisobutene, diethylhexylcarbonate, tocopheryl acetate,methyl gluceth-10, methyl gluceth-20, dicaprylyl carbonate, dibutyladipate, hexyl laurate, dicaprylyl ether, propylheptyl caprylate,ethoxylated natural and synthetic oils, and mixtures thereof. Preferredemollients, include, but are not limited to, C12-15 alkyl benzoate,capric triglyceride, caprylic triglyceride, isopropyl myristrate,isopropyl palmitate, octyldodecanol, decyl oleate, cocoglycerides,ethylhexyl stearate, ceteraryl isononanoate, cetearyl ethyhexanonate,decyl cocoate, cetyl dimethicone, ethylhexyl palmitate, PPG-11 stearylether, PPG-15 stearyl ether, PPG-14 butyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

When an emollient is included in the use dilution compositions, it ispreferably in an amount from about 0.01 wt-% to about 1 wt-%, morepreferably from about 0.05 wt-% to about 0.75 wt-%, and most preferablyfrom about 0.1 wt-% to about 0.5 wt-%.

When an emollient is included in the concentrated compositions, it ispreferably in an amount from about 0 wt-% to about 10 wt-%, morepreferably from about 0.5 wt-% to about 7.5 wt-%, and most preferablyfrom about 1 wt-% to about 5 wt-%.

Fragrance

The antimicrobial compositions can optionally comprise a fragrance.Examples of possible fragrances include natural oils or naturallyderived materials, and synthetic fragrances such as hydrocarbons,alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, lactones, ethers, nitriles, andpolyfunctionals. Non-limiting examples of natural oils include thefollowing: basil (Ocimum basilicum) oil, bay (Pimento acris) oil, beebalm (Monarda didyma) oil, bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia) oil,cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) oil, cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) oil,chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) oil, cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) oil,citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) oil, clary (Salvia sclarea) oil, clove(Eugenia caryophyllus) oil, cloveleaf (Eufenia caryophyllus) oil,Cyperus esculentus oil, cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) oil, Eucalyptuscitriodora oil, geranium maculatum oil, ginger (Zingiber officinale)oil, grapefruit (Citrus grandis) oil, hazel (Corylus avellana) nut oil,jasmine (Jasminum officinale) oil, Juniperus communis oil, Juniperusoxycedrus tar, Juniperus virginiana oil, kiwi (Actinidia chinensis)water, lavandin (Lavandula hybrida) oil, lavender (Lavandulaangustifolia) oil, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) water, lemon(Citrus medica limonum) oil, lemongrass (Cymbopogon schoenanthus) oil,lime (Citrus aurantifolia) oil, linden (Tilia cordata) oil, linden(Tilia cordata) water, mandarin orange (Citrus nobilis) oil, nutmeg(Myristica fragrans) oil, orange (Citrus aurantium dulcis) flower oil,orange (Citrus aurantium dulcis) oil, orange (Citrus aurantium dulcis)water, patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) oil, peppermint (Menthe piperita)oil, peppermint (Menthe peperita) water, rosemary (Rosmarinusofficinalis) oil, rose oil, rose (Rosa damascena) extract, rose (Rosamultiflora) extract, rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) extract, sage (Salviaofficinalis) oil, sandalwood (Santalum album) oil, spearmint (Mentheviridis) oil, tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil, and ylang ylang(Cananga odorata) oil. Some non-limiting examples of synthetichydrocarbon fragrances include caryophyllene, β-farnesene, limonene,α-pinene, and β-pinene. Some non-limiting examples of synthetic alcoholfragrances include bacdanol, citronellol, linalool, phenethyl alcohol,and α-terpineol (R═H). Some non-limiting examples of synthetic aldehydefragrances include 2-methyl undecanal, citral, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde,isocycolcitral, lilial, and 10-undecenal. Some non-limiting examples ofsynthetic ketone fragrances include cashmeran, α-ionone, isocyclemone E,koavone, muscone, and tonalide. Some non-limiting examples of synetheticester fragrances include benzyl acetate, 4-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate(cis and trans), cedryl acetate, cyclacet, isobornyl acetate, andα-terpinyl acetate (R=acetyl). Some non-limiting examples of syntheticlactone fragrances include coumarin, jasmine lactone, muskalactone, andpeach aldehyde. Some non-limiting examples of synthetic ether fragrancesinclude ambroxan, anther, and galaxolide. Some non-limiting examples ofsynthetic nitrile fragrances include cinnamonitrile and gernonitrile.Finally, some non-limiting examples of synthetic polyfunctionalfragrances include amyl salicylate, isoeugenol, hedione, heliotropine,lyral, and vanillin.

Preferably, in a use dilution composition, the fragrance is in aconcentration between about 0 wt. % and about 1 wt. %, more preferablybetween about 0.01 wt. % and about 0.5 wt. %.

Preferably, in a concentrated composition, the fragrance is in aconcentration betwee about 0 wt. % and about 10 wt. %, more preferablybetween about 0.1 wt. % and about 10 wt. %.

Humectant

In preferred embodiments, the compositions can comprise one or morehumectants. Preferred humectants, include, but are not limited to,hydroxyethyl urea, agarose, urea, sodium PCA, arginine PCA, fructose,glucose, glutamic acid, glycerin, honey, lactose, maltose, polyethyleneglycol, sorbitol, polyquats and mixtures thereof.

Preferably, the use dilution compositions can comprise from about 0 wt-%to about 3 wt-%, 0.05 wt-% to about 3 wt-% humectant, more preferablyfrom about 0.1 wt-% to about 5 wt-% humectant, and most preferably fromabout 0.3 wt-% to about 1 wt-% humectant.

Preferably, the concentrated compositions can comprise from about 3 wt-%to about 30 wt-% humectant, more preferably from about 3 wt-% to about15 wt-% humectant, and most preferably from about 3 wt-% to about 10wt-% humectant.

Preservative

In a preferred embodiment, the compositions comprise one or morepreservatives. Preferred preservatives, include, phenolics, halogencompounds, metal derivatives, amines, alkanolamines, nitro derivatives,biguanides, analides, organosulfur and sulfur-nitrogen compounds, alkylparabens, and other compounds.

Preferred phenolic compounds include, but are not limited to,pentachlorophenol, orthophenylphenol, chloroxylenol, p-chloro-m-cresol,p-chlorophenol, chlorothymol, m-cresol, o-cresol, p-cresol, isopropylcresols, mixed cresols, phenoxyethanol, phenoxyethylparaben,phenoxyisopropanol, phenyl paraben, resorcinol, and derivatives thereof.

Preferred halogen compounds include, but are not limited toiodine-poly(vinylpyrrolidin-onen) complexes, and bromine compounds suchas 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and derivatives thereof.

Preferred amines and nitro containing compounds include, but are notlimited to, hexahydro-1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine,dithiocarbamates such as sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate, and derivativesthereof.

Preferred biguanides include, but are not limited to, polyaminopropylbiguanide and chlorhexidine gluconate.

Preferred alkyl parabens include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl,propyl and butyl parabens.

Other optional preservatives include, but are not limited to, benzoicacid, sorbic acid, triclosan chloroxylenol (para-chloro meta-xylenol),caprylyl glycol, glycerol caprylate, ethylhexyl glycerin, benzoates,sorbates, or mixtures thereof.

When a preservative is included in the use dilution compositions, it ispreferably in an amount from about 0.01 wt-% to about 2 wt-%, morepreferably from about 0.1 wt-% to about 1.5 wt-%, and most preferablyfrom about 0.2 wt-% to about 1 wt-%.

When a preservative is included in the concentrated compositions, it ispreferably in an amount from about 0.1 wt-% to about 20 wt-%, morepreferably from about 1 wt-% to about 15 wt-%, and most preferably fromabout 2 wt-% to about 10 wt-%.

Thickeners

The composition may optionally include a thickener. Examples ofcompatible thickeners include Guar, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Xanthan,Carrageenan, Karaya, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), Cellulose Derivatives,including but not limited to hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxylpropylmethtyl cellulose, alkyl modified hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxylethylpropyl, polyquaternium 10, AssociativeThickeners including but not limited to hydrophobically modifiedethoxylated urethanes (HEUR), polyethylene glycol dialkyl esters,PEG/PPG-450/50 trimethylolpropane dodecyl ether, Bis-C16-20 IsoalkoxyTMHDI/PEG-90 Copolymer, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose dioleate, PEG-18 Glcerylolieate/cocoate, sorbitan sesquicaprylate, and mixtures thereof.

Exemplary Embodiments of the Antimicrobial Compositions

The antimicrobial compositions can be prepared as a ready-to-usesolution or a concentrated dilutable composition.

Exemplary ready-to-use compositions are provided in Tables 1A through1F. The ranges in each table should be considered to be modified by theword “about” as defined herein.

TABLE 1A First Second Third Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Ingredients (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) AntimicrobialActive 0.01-2  0.05-1.5  0.1-1 Primary Foaming 0.1-5 0.5-4.5 1.5-4 AgentCarrier    65-99.7  75-99.5  80-95

TABLE 1B First Second Third Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Ingredients (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) AntimicrobialActive 0.01-2 0.05-1.5  0.1-1 Primary Foaming  0.1-5 0.5-4.5 1.5-4 AgentCarrier   65-99.7  75-99.5  80-95 Foam Structure 0.05-4 0.5-3   1-2Enhancing Agent Humectant 0.05-3 0.1-1.5 0.3-1 Additional Optional   0-15  0-15 0.01-15 Ingredients

TABLE 1C First Second Third Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Ingredients (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) AntimicrobialActive 0.01-2 0.05-1.5  0.1-1 Primary Foaming  0.1-5 0.5-4.5 1.5-4 AgentCarrier   65-99.7  75-99.5  80-95 Foam Structure 0.05-4 0.5-3   1-2Enhancing Agent Humectant 0.05-3 0.1-1.5 0.3-1 Chelant 0.01-1 0.05-0.5  0.1-0.4 Emollient   0-1 0.05-0.75  0.1-0.5 Preservative 0.01-2 0.1-1.50.2-1 Fragrance   0-1 0-1 0.01-1  Additional Optional    0-15  0-150.01-10 Ingredients

TABLE 1D First Second Third Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Ingredients (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) Benzalkonium0.01-2   0.05-1.5  0.1-1 Chloride Primary Foaming 0.1-5  0.5-4.5 1.5-4Agent Secondary Foaming 0.1-5  0.5-4     1-2.5 Agent Carrier  65-99.7 75-99.5  80-95 Foam Structure 0-4 0.1-3   1-2 Enhancing Agent Humectant0-3 0.05-1.5  0.1-1 Chelant 0-1 0.05-0.5   0.1-0.4 Emollient 0-10.05-0.75  0.1-0.5 Preservative 0-2 0.1-1.5 0.2-1 Fragrance 0-1 0-10.01-1  Additional Optional  0-15  0-15 0.01-10 Ingredients

TABLE 1E First Second Third Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Ingredients (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) Benzethonium0.01-2   0.05-1.5  0.1-1 Chloride Primary Foaming 0.1-5  0.5-4.5 1.5-4Agent Secondary Foaming 0.1-5  0.5-4     1-2.5 Agent Carrier  65-99.7 75-99.5  80-95 Foam Structure 0-4 0.1-3   1-2 Enhancing Agent Humectant0-3 0.05-1.5  0.1-1 Chelant 0-1 0.05-0.5   0.1-0.4 Emollient 0-10.05-0.75  0.1-0.5 Preservative 0-2 0.1-1.5 0.2-1 Fragrance 0-1 0-10.01-1  Additional Optional  0-15  0-15 0.01-10 Ingredients

TABLE 1F First Second Third Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Ingredients (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) Chlorhexidene0.01-2   0.05-1.5  0.1-1 Gluconate Primary Foaming 0.1-5  0.5-4.5 1.5-4Agent Secondary Foaming 0.1-5  0.5-4     1-2.5 Agent Carrier  65-99.7 75-99.5  80-95 Foam Structure 0-4 0.1-3   1-2 Enhancing Agent Humectant0-3 0.05-1.5  0.1-1 Chelant 0-1 0.05-0.5   0.1-0.4 Emollient 0-10.05-0.75  0.1-0.5 Preservative 0-2 0.1-1.5 0.2-1 Fragrance 0-1 0-10.01-1  Additional Optional  0-15  0-15 0.01-10 Ingredients

Additionally, the antimicrobial concentrations can be prepared in theformat of a liquid or gel concentrate, which would be subsequentlydiluted to the proper use concentration with a carrier either manuallyor by suitable equipment or an apparatus. Preferably concentrated liquidcompositions are between 2 to 10 times the concentration of theready-to-use formulations ingredients, except the carrier.

In one embodiment, the antimicrobial compositions can be provided as aliquid concentrate such that the antimicrobial composition issubstantially free of any added carrier, or the concentrate may containa nominal amount of carrier. The concentrate can be formulated withoutany carrier or can be provided with a relatively small amount of carrierin order to reduce the expense of transporting the concentrate.

Embodiments of concentrated compositions can be concentratedsufficiently to be diluted with a carrier (preferably comprising water)at a ratio of between about 1:1 and about 1:15. A concentratedcomposition that will be diluted at a ratio of about 1:15 will likely besubstantially free of any added carrier. Other suitable dilution ratiosinclude about 1:2, about 1:3, about 1:4, about 1:5, about 1:6, about1:7, about 1:8, about 1:9, about 1:10, about 1:11, about 1:12, about1:13, and about 1:14.

When provided as a liquid or gel concentrate composition, theconcentrate can be diluted through dispensing equipment usingaspirators, peristaltic pumps, gear pumps, mass flow meters, and thelike. This liquid or gel concentrate embodiment can also be delivered inbottles, jars, dosing bottles, bottles with dosing caps, and the like.The liquid or gel concentrate composition can be filled into amulti-chambered cartridge insert that is then placed in a spray bottleor other delivery device filled with a pre-measured amount of water.

Exemplary concentrated compositions are provided in Tables 2A through2G.

TABLE 2A First Second Third Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Ingredients (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) AntimicrobialActive 0.3-25  0.5-15  1-10 Primary Foaming 3-50 5-45 7.5-40  AgentCarrier  25-96.5  40-94.5  50-91.5

TABLE 2B First Second Third Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Ingredients (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) AntimicrobialActive 0.3-25  0.5-15  1-10 Primary Foaming 3-50 4-45 5-40 Agent Carrier10-90  20-90  50-90  Foam Structure 0.5-40  1-30 1-10 Enhancing AgentHumectant 3-30 3-15 0.3-1   Additional Optional 0-30 0-30 0.01-30  Ingredients

TABLE 2C First Second Third Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Ingredients (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) AntimicrobialActive 0.3-25  0.5-15  1-10 Primary Foaming 3-50 4-45 5-40 Agent Carrier5-90 10-90  40-90  Foam Structure 0.5-40  1-30 1-10 Enhancing AgentHumectant 3-30 3-15 3-10 Chelant 0.1-10  0.5-5   1-4  Emollient 0-100.5-7.5  1-5  Preservative 0.1-20  1-15 2-10 Fragrance 0-10 0-10 0.1-10 Additional Optional 0-15 0-15 0.1-10  Ingredients

TABLE 2D First Second Third Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Ingredients (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) Benzalkonium0.3-25  0.5-15  1-10 Chloride Primary Foaming 3-50 4-45 5-40 AgentSecondary Foaming 1-30 4-25 8-20 Agent Carrier  0-82.8 0-80  0-79.8 FoamStructure 0.5-40  1-30 1-10 Enhancing Agent Humectant 3-30 3-15 3-10Chelant 0.1-10  0.5-5   1-4  Emollient 0-10 0.5-7.5  1-5  Preservative0.1-20  1-15 2-10 Fragrance 0-10 0-10 0.1-10  Additional Optional 0-150-15 0.1-10  Ingredients

TABLE 2E First Second Third Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Ingredients (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) Benzethonium0.3-25  0.5-15  1-10 Chloride Primary Foaming 3-50 4-45 5-40 AgentSecondary Foaming 1-30 4-25 8-20 Agent Carrier  0-82.8 0-80  0-79.8 FoamStructure 0.5-40  1-30 1-10 Enhancing Agent Humectant 0.5-30  1-15 1-10Chelant 0.1-10  0.5-5   1-4  Emollient 0-10 0.5-7.5  1-5  Preservative0.1-20  1-15 2-10 Fragrance 0-10 0-10 0.1-10  Additional Optional 0-150-15 0.1-10  Ingredients

TABLE 2F First Second Third Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Ingredients (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) Chlorhexidene0.3-25  0.5-15  1-10 Gluconate Primary Foaming 3-50 4-45 5-40 AgentSecondary Foaming 1-30 4-25 8-20 Agent Carrier  0-82.8 0-80  0-79.8 FoamStructure 0.5-40  1-30 1-10 Enhancing Agent Humectant 0.5-30  1-15 1-10Chelant 0.1-10  0.5-5   1-4  Emollient 0-10 0.5-7.5  1-5  Preservative0.1-20  1-15 2-10 Fragrance 0-10 0-10 0.1-10  Additional Optional 0-150-15 0.1-10  Ingredients

TABLE 2G First Second Third Exemplary Exemplary Exemplary EmbodimentEmbodiment Embodiment Ingredients (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %)Didecyldimethylammonium 0.3-25  0.5-15  1-10 chloride Primary FoamingAgent 3-50 5-45 7-40 Secondary Foaming Agent 1-30 4-25 8-20 Carrier 0-82.8 0-80  0-79.8 Foam Structure 0.5-40  1-30 1-10 Enhancing AgentHumectant 0.5-30  1-15 1-10 Chelant 0.1-10  0.5-5   1-4  Emollient 0-100.5-7.5  1-5  Preservative 0.1-20  1-15 2-10 Fragrance 0-10 0-10 0.1-10 Additional Optional 0-15 0-15 0.1-10  Ingredients

The antimicrobial compositions described herein provide a -cidal effectagainst microorganisms. In a preferred embodiment, the antimicrobialcompositions provide a Log₁₀ reduction in microorganisms, including, butnot limited to bacteria (gram positive and/or negative) and/or fungi, ofgreater than about 2.5 in about 30 seconds or less; more preferablygreater than or equal to about 2.75 in about 30 seconds or less; mostpreferably greater than or equal to about 3 in about 30 seconds or lesswhen tested according to ASTM E2315 Standard Guide for Assessment ofAntimicrobial Activity Using a Time Kill Procedure.

While an understanding of the mechanism is not necessary to practice thepresent invention and while the present invention is not limited to anyparticular method of preparation, it is contemplated that, in someembodiments, the compositions can be prepared by combining theingredients and mixing them until a homogeneous or near homogeneousmixture is prepared.

When provided as a liquid concentrate composition, the concentrate canbe diluted through dispensing equipment using aspirators, peristalticpumps, gear pumps, mass flow meters, and the like. This liquidconcentrate embodiment can also be delivered in bottles, jars, dosingbottles, bottles with dosing caps, and the like. The liquid concentratecomposition can be filled into a multi-chambered cartridge insert thatis then placed in a spray bottle or other delivery device filled with apre-measured amount of water.

The carrier used to dilute the concentrate will often be water or awater miscible carrier. When water is used, it can be available at thelocale or site of dilution. In this respect, water for dilution maycontain varying levels of hardness depending upon the locale. Servicewater available from various municipalities have varying levels ofhardness. It is desirable to provide a concentrate that can handle thehardness levels found in the service water of various municipalities.The water of dilution that is used to dilute the concentrate can becharacterized as hard water when it includes at least 1 grain hardness.It is expected that the water of dilution can include at least 5 grainshardness, at least 10 grains hardness, or at least 20 grains hardness.

It is expected that the concentrate will be diluted with the carrier inorder to provide a use solution having a desired level of concentrationof active ingredients. Preferably the concentrate can be diluted withthe carrier at a weight ratio of at least about 1:1 and up to about1:25.

In an alternate embodiment, the cleaning compositions may be provided asa ready-to-use (“RTU” or “use”) composition. If the cleaning compositionis provided as a RTU composition, a more significant amount of carrieris added to the cleaning composition as a diluent. It may be desirableto provide the concentrate (liquid or gel) in a flowable form so that itcan be pumped or aspirated. It has been found that it is generallydifficult to accurately pump a small amount of a liquid. It is generallymore effective to pump a larger amount of a liquid. Accordingly,although it is desirable to provide the concentrate with as littlecarrier as possible in order to reduce transportation costs, it is alsodesirable to provide a concentrate that can be dispensed accurately.

All publications and patent applications in this specification areindicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention pertains. All publications and patent applications are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication or patent application was specifically and individuallyindicated as incorporated by reference.

EXAMPLES

Embodiments of the present invention are further defined in thefollowing non-limiting Examples. It should be understood that theseExamples, while indicating certain embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and theseExamples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essentialcharacteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spiritand scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of theembodiments of the invention to adapt it to various usages andconditions. Thus, various modifications of the embodiments of theinvention, in addition to those shown and described herein, will beapparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description.Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of theappended claims.

The materials used in the following examples are provided herein:

Cocoyl Methyl Glucamide: a glucosamide surfactant, used as a foamingagent, sold as GlucoTain Care by Clariant.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine: a non-ionic surfactant, used as a foaming agent.

Coco Glucoside: a non-ionic surfactant, used as a foaming agent.

Cocamine Oxide: a non-ionic surfactant, used as a foaming agent.

Palmitamidopropyl Trimonium Chloride: a cationic surfactant, used as afoaming agent.

Benzalkonium Choride: an antimicrobial agent.

Capryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide: a glucosamide surfactant, used as afoaming agent, sold as GlucoTain Clear by Clariant.

Cetrimonium Chloride: a cationic surfactant and foaming agent.

Soyethyl Morpholinium Ethosulfate: a cationic surfactant and foamingagent.

Soyamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate: a cationic surfactant andfoaming agent

Propylene Glycol: a humectant.

Cocotrimonium Methosulfate: a cationic surfactant and foaming agent.

Isostearyl Ethylimidazolinium Ethosulfate: a cationic surfactant andfoaming agent.

Linoleamidopropyl Ethyldiamonium Ethosulfate: a cationic surfactant andfoaming agent.

Ricinoleamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate: a cationic surfactant andfoaming agent.

Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate: a foaming agent.

Lauryl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride: a foaming agent.

Glycerin: a humectant.

Phenoxyethanol: a preservative.

Hexylene Glycol: a coupling agent.

Methyl Gluceth 20: a humectant.

Methylglycinediacetic Acid: a chelant.

Hydroxyethylcellulose, a thickening agent

Citric Acid: used to adjust pH.

Potassium Hydroxide: used to adjust pH.

Water: used as a carrier.

Multiple commercially available antimicrobial foaming hand soaps weretested for comparative purposes. Those included a commercially available0.55 active % benzalkonium chloride and amine oxide antimicrobial handsoap, a 0.2 active % benzalkonium chloride and cationic surfactantantimicrobial hand soap, and a 4 active % chlorhexidine gluconateantimicrobial hand soap.

In Examples 1-4, the survival of challenged organisms exposed to anantimicrobial test composition was measured using in vitro Time Killtesting, based on ASTM E 2315 Standard Guide for Assessment ofAntimicrobial Activity Using a Time Kill Procedure. Utilizing thismethod, the inoculum is prepared by growing a microbial culture using aD/E agar medium. The microbial population then is washed from the agarwith sterile physiological saline and the population of the microbialsuspension is adjusted to around 10⁸ colony forming units (cfu) per ml.An aliquot of the test formula, or a dilution thereof, is brought intocontact with this known population of bacteria at ambient temperature.The test composition is neutralized after a set amount of time, whicharrests the antimicrobial activity of the test sample. The log reductionfrom the original bacteria population is calculated using the followingformula:log₁₀ reduction=log₁₀(control)−log₁₀(test sample survivors)Each test was performed in duplicate and the average log reductionreported.

Example 1

The efficacy of formulations with differing cationic-compatiblesurfactants with the same alkyl chain length is outlined in Tables 3 and4. In each instance, citric acid and/or potassium hydroxide were used tomaintain a pH of 6, and water was added quantum satis.

The formula containing cocoyl methyl glucamide exhibits antimicrobialactivity equivalent to the formula containing cocamine oxide alone andin a blend of the two surfactants. The culture used was Staphylococcusaureus ATCC 6538, a Gram-positive bacterium.

TABLE 3 Impact of primary foaming agents on Microbiological Efficacy A BC Weight % Cocoyl Methyl Glucamide 0 0.5 1 Hydroxyethyl cellulose 0.050.05 0.05 Cocamine Oxide 1 0.5 0 Cetyl Trimonium Chloride 1 1 1Benzalkonium Chloride 0.2 0.2 0.2 Ph 6.2 6.2 6.2 E. coli Time Killefficacy >5.53 >5.53 >5.53 (Log₁₀ Reduction, 30 seconds)

TABLE 4 Impact of Several Classes of Cationic-Compatible Surfactants onMicrobiological Efficacy 1A 1B 1C 1D Weight % Cocoyl Methyl Glucamide 10 0 0 Cocamidopropyl Betaine 0 1 0 0 Coco Glucoside 0 0 1 0 CocamineOxide 0 0 0 1 Palmitamidopropyl Trimonium Chloride 1 1 1 1 BenzalkoniumChloride 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 pH 6 6 6 6 E. coli Time Kill efficacy >5.742.01 4.48 >5.74 (Log₁₀ Reduction, 30 seconds)

All surfactant classes tested in Tables 3 and 4 were chemicallycompatible with cationic active ingredients. Despite this chemicalcompatibility, cocamidopropyl betaine had a significant negative impacton microbiological efficacy. Coco glucoside also had a negative impacton microbiological efficacy, which is surprising given its high degreeof structural similarity to cocoyl methyl glucamide. The formulacontaining cocoyl methyl glucamide exhibits antimicrobial activityequivalent to the formula containing cocamine oxide. The culture usedwas Escherichia coli ATCC 11229, a Gram-negative bacterium.

As can be seen in Tables 3 and 4, the glucamide provided substantiallysimilar Log₁₀ reduction to the amine oxide, or in a mixture with amineoxide, both producing a reduction of greater than 5.74 Log₁₀ at 30seconds contact time for Escherichia coli and greater than 5.53 Log₁₀ at30 seconds contact time for Staphylococcus aureus.

Example 2

Various cationic surfactants were evaluated for their ability to enhancefoam volume and quality, while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy. Ineach instance, citric acid and/or potassium hydroxide were used tomaintain a pH of 5.7-6, and water was added quantum satis. The cultureused was Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, a Gram-positive bacterium. Todilute the samples, 1 ml of product was combined with 9 ml oflab-purified water.

Results are outlined in Table 5. Foam quality was determined by applyingone pump of the product onto hands and performing a 30 second hand wash.Ratings were based on visual comparison to a standard set of photographsthat defined each rating. The scale ranges from 1 (poor) to 5 (best).

TABLE 5 Screening Evaluation of Numerous Cationic Surfactants 2A 2B 2C2D 2E 2F 2G 2H Weight % Active Benzalkonium 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.20.2 (Anti- Chloride microbial) Nonionic Capryloyl/Caproyl 1.5 1.5 1.51.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 surfactant Methyl Glucamide Cationic Cetrimonium 0 00 1.3 0 0 0 0 Surfactant Chloride Cationic Soyethyl 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.3Surfactant Morpholinium Ethosulfate Cationic Palmitamidopropyltrimonium0 0 1.3 0 0 0 0 0 Surfactant Chloride Cationic Soyamidopropyl 1.3 0 0 00 0 0 0 Surfactant Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate (and) Propylene GlycolCationic Cocotrimonium 0 1.3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Surfactant MethosulfateCationic Isostearyl 0 0 0 0 1.3 0 0 0 Surfactant EthylimidazoliniumEthosulfate (and) Propylene Glycol Cationic Linoleamidopropyl 0 0 0 0 01.3 0 0 Surfactant Ethyldiamonium Ethosulfate CationicRicinoleamidopropyl 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.3 0 Surfactant EthyldimoniumEthosulfate pH 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Staph Log₁₀ Reduction 30 <0.5 >5.44<0.5 >5.44 >5.44 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 Seconds (Undiluted) Staph Log₁₀Reduction 30 <0.5 3.02 <0.5 2.97 1.98 <0.5 <0.5 2.19 Seconds (10%Dilution) Foam Quality Rating 3.5 3.5 4 3.5 2 3 2.5 2

As can be seen in Table 5, it was found that formulas containing eithercetrimonium chloride or cocotrimonium methosulfate had the highestmicrobiological efficacy. These surfactants have short average alkylchain lengths (between about 10 and about 14 carbons). It was found thatlonger alkyl chain lengths had an inhibitory effect on microbiologicalefficacy. Thus, preferably, the primary foaming agent has a carbon chainlength of about 18 or less carbons; more preferably about 16 or less;most preferably between about 10 and 14 carbons. These surfactants alsoproduced acceptable foam, with a foam quality rating of 3.5.

Once it was determined that cationic surfactants with chain lengthshaving 18 or less carbons provided enhanced microbiological efficacy,three such cationic surfactants were evaluated against Serratiamarcescens, a Gram negative microorganism. That data is provided inTable 6.

TABLE 6 Evaluation of Shorter Chain Length Cationic Surfactants 3A 3B 3CCocamine Oxide 1.2 1.2 1.2 Benzalkonium Chloride 0.6 0.6 0.6Laurtrimonium Chloride 1.2 0 0 Palmitamidopropyl trimonium 0 1.2 0chloride Cocotrimonium methosulfate 0 0 1.2 Log10 Reduction* >3.79 1.622.17 *S erratia marcescens, 30 seconds

As can be seen in Table 6, Laurtrimonium chloride demonstrated thehighest degree of efficacy; notably it had the shortest alkyl chainlength with 12 carbons. Palmitamidopropyl trimonium chloride had thelongest average alkyl chain length with between 14 and 16 carbons andshowed the lowest degree of microbiological efficacy.

Example 3

Table 7 summarizes the efficacy of laurtrimethylammonium chloride(“LTAC”) compared to cocotrimonium methosulfate for the gram-negativeorganism Serratia marcescens ATCC 14756.

TABLE 7 Efficacy of Cationic Surfactants while Varying the Concentrationof the Antimicrobial Active Ingredient Weight % (As active material) 4A4B 4C 4D 4E Capryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5 0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5 Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium 0.1-3 0.1-30.1-3 0.1-3 0.1-3 Chloride Phosphate Benzalkonium Chloride 0.1 0.2 0.6 10.2 Palmitamidopropyl Trimonium chloride 0.1-3 0.1-3 0.1-3 0.1-3 0.1-3Laurtrimethyl Ammonium chloride 0.5-3 0.5-3 0.5-3 0.5-3 0  Cocotrimonium Methosulfate 0   0   0   0 0.5-3 Glycerin  0.05-1.5 0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5 Phenoxyethanol  0.1-1.5  0.1-1.5 0.1-1.5  0.1-1.5  0.1-1.5 Hexylene Glycol 0.5-3 0.5-3 0.5-3 0.5-3 0.5-3Methyl Gluceth 20  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5Methylglycinediacetic acid 0.05-1  0.05-1  0.05-1  0.05-1  0.05-1  pH 5-8  5-8  5-8  5-8  5-8 Antimicrobial Efficacy S. marcescens Efficacy3.2 5.11 5.11  >4.3 1.7 (Log₁₀ Reduction, 30 Seconds)

As can be seen in Table 7, the formulations includinglaurtrimethylammonium chloride provided better antimicrobial propertiesthan the formula containing cocotrimonium methosulfate. Formula 4B and4E contain the same ingredients at the same levels. The only differencebetween the formulas is that Formula 4B contains 1.2% of the cationicsurfactant lauryltrimethyl ammonium chloride whereas Formula 4E contains1.2% of the cationic surfactant cocotrimonium methosulfate. Formula 4Bshowed nearly a 3.5 Log enhancement in efficacy compared to Formula 4E.Formulas 4A thru 4D demonstrate that formulas with active antimicrobiallevels ranging from 0.1% to 1.0% show high antimicrobial efficacy. Itwas observed that formulations providing the best -cidal effect wereincluded the lauryltrimethylammonium chloride in combination withbetween about 0.2 wt. % and about 1 wt. % benzalkonium chloride.

Example 4

The effectiveness of formulas 4B and 4C, detailed in Table 9, werecompared with two current commercially available hand soaps—a quaternaryammonium and 0.55% benzalkonium antimicrobial hand soap with an amineoxide-based surfactant system, and a 0.2% benzalkonium chlorideantimicrobial hand soap. The cultures used were: Gram-negative Serratiamarcescens ATCC 14756, Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC33592, and Gram-negative Escherichia coli ATCC 10708. To more closelysimulate the soil present on hands in a clinical simulation hand washstudy, the test products were diluted with 9 parts tryptic soy broth to1 part test product immediately prior to testing. The results of thecomparative testing are displayed in Table 9, where the commerciallyavailable formulations showed minimal antimicrobial effects.

TABLE 8 Preferred Antibacterial Formulations. Weight % 4B 4CCapryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5 CocamidopropylPG-Dimonium Chloride 0.1-3 0.1-3 Phosphate Benzalkonium Chloride 0.2 0.6Palmitamidopropyl Trimonium Chloride 0.1-3 0.1-3 Lauryl TrimethylAmmonium Chloride 0.5-3 0.5-3 Glycerin  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5Phenoxyethanol  0.1-1.5  0.1-1.5 Hexylene Glycol 0.5-3 0.5-3 MethylGluceth 20  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5 Methylglycinediacetic acid 0.05-1 0.05-1 

TABLE 9 Efficacy of Preferred Formulas and Competitive Products.Microbiological Efficacy (Log₁₀ Reduction, 30 seconds) Serratia S.aureus Formula marcescens (MRSA) E. coli 4B 5.11 >5.79 >5.51 4C5.11 >5.79 >5.51 Benzalkonium Chloride (0.55%) 1.52 0.56 0.60 AmineOxide Hand Soap Benzalkonium Chloride (0.2%) & 0.23 0.93 0.13 cationicsurfactant Hand Soap

As can be seen in Table 9, the two exemplary formulas of the inventionsignificantly outperformed the two commercially available antimicrobialfoaming hand soaps. The two exemplary formulas provided greater than a5-Log₁₀ reduction of the three bacteria tested.

The next best Log₁₀ reduction from the commercially available productswas 1.52.

Example 5

Testing was performed to assess performance of differing chelants.Multiple amino acid based chelants were tested in exemplary compositionsof the invention and tested against a control formulation containing nochelant. The formulations are provided in Table 10.

TABLE 10 5A 5B 5C Weight % (as active material) Capryloyl/Caproyl Methyl 0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5 Glucamide Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium 0.1-30.1-3 0.1-3 Chloride Phosphate Benzalkonium Chloride 0.1-1 0.1-1 0.1-1Palmitamidopropyl Trimonium 0.1-3 0.1-3 0.1-3 chloride CocotrimoniumMethosulfate 0.5-3 0.5-3 0.5-3 Glycerin  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5Phenoxyethanol  0.1-1.5  0.1-1.5  0.1-1.5 Hexylene Glycol 0.5-3 0.5-30.5-3 Methyl Gluceth 20  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5  0.05-1.5 GLDA 0 0.05-1  0MGDA 0 0 0.05-1 

Formula 5A served as the control having no chelant. Formulas 5B and 5Cincluded GLDA and MGDA, respectively, for comparative testing againsteach other and the control. The compositions were inoculated withSerratia marcescens ATCC 14756 for 30 seconds at room temperature.Before adding the antimicrobial compositions, the inoculum numbers weremeasured (CFO/mL). The average count was 1.2×10⁷ CFU/mL providing a logaverage of 8.06. The results of the testing are shown below in Table 11.The inoculated surface was contacted with the various formulations for30 seconds and the log reduction was measured.

TABLE 11 Time Kill Efficacy Serratia Marcescens Formula Log Reduction 5A<1.0 5B <1.0 5C 6.1

Thus, it was found that MGDA provided unexpectedly surprising resultshaving much higher log reduction than the structurally similar GLDA inthe tested compositions.

Example 6

The foaming characteristics of an exemplary formulation of theantimicrobial hand wash compositions described herein was compared tothe foaming characteristics of commercially available antimicrobial handwash products with cationic active ingredients.

The exemplary formulation is provided in Table 12

TABLE 12 Exemplary Hand Wash Formula 6 Weight % Capryloyl/Caproyl MethylGlucamide  0.05-1.5 Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate 0.1-3Benzalkonium Chloride 0.1-1 Palmitamidopropyl Trimonium Chloride 0.1-3Lauryl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride 0.5-3 Glycerin  0.05-1.5Phenoxyethanol  0.1-1.5 Hexylene Glycol 0.05-3  Methyl Gluceth 20 0.05-1.5 Methylglycinediacetic acid 0.05-1  Hydroxyethylcellulose 0.01-0.1

Exemplary Formula 6 (shown in Table 12) was compared with two exemplarycommercially available hand was compositions. To evaluate the foamingcharacteristics formulas were diluted by adding 90 mL of deionized waterto 10 mL of test formula. 40 mL of diluted test formula was added to a250-mL graduated cylinder. Cylinders were rotated at 30 RPM for 4minutes. The foam volume is determined by immediately recording thevolume based on graduated cylinder markings. Four replicates wereevaluated for each test material. Presented in Table 13 are the averageof the four measurements.

TABLE 13 Foam Height Test Formula Active Ingredient (mL) CommercialProduct A 4% CHG 158.50 Commercial Product B 0.18% Benzalkonium Chloride186.25 Formula 6 0.6% Benzalkonium Chloride 206.50

As can be seen in Table 13, Formula 6 provided more foam thancommercially available products.

Example 7

After demonstrating the in vitro activity of exemplary formulas and thesuperior foaming characteristics compared to commercially availableproducts, tests were performed to assess the in vivo efficacy of anexemplary formulation of a hand soap of the invention in a humanclinical hand wash study. The exemplary formula of the inventivehandsoap was Formula 6 (provided in Table 12). This was tested against acommercially available 0.2% benzethonium chloride antimicrobial handsoap (“Commercial A”), a commercially available 0.5% benzalkoniumchloride antimicrobial hand soap (“Commercial B”), a commerciallyavailable 0.55% benzalkonium chloride antimicrobial hand soap(“Commercial C”), a commercially available 2% chlorhexidine gluconateantimicrobial hand soap (“Commercial D”), and a commercially available4% chlorhexidine gluconate antimicrobial hand soap (“Commercial D”). Theculture used was Serratia marcescens ATCC 14756, a Gram-negativebacterium. The test was performed ASTM E1174 Standard Test Method forEvaluation of the Effectiveness of Health Care Personnel HandwashFormulations. The results of the testing are provided Table 14 below anddepicted in the FIGURE.

TABLE 14 Human Clinical Efficacy Study Results Microbiological EfficacyFormula Active Ingredient (Log₁₀ Reduction) Commercial A 0.20%Benzethonium Chloride 2.35 Commercial B 0.50% Benzalkonium Chloride 2.42Commercial C 0.55% Benzalkonium Chloride 2.32 Formula 6 0.55%Benzalkonium Chloride 3.03 Commercial D 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate 2.93Commercial E 4% Chlorhexidine Gluconate 3.07

As can be seen from the data in Table 14 and the FIGURE, the exemplaryformulation provided a Log₁₀ reduction of 3.03, which is notstatistically significantly different from the antimicrobial efficacyobserved from the 4% chlorhexidine gluconate commercially availableantimicrobial hand soap that provided a Log₁₀ reduction of 3.07, whichis surprising given the significant difference in the activeconcentration of the cationic active antimicrobial ingredient. Further,the exemplary formulation produced better -cidal effect than all of theother comparative commercial products tested.

Thus, this data provides a surprising result, i.e., that 0.55% labelactive concentration of the antimicrobial active ingredient in thecompositions of the invention can perform substantially similarly to 4%active CHG. Thus, substantially similar efficacy was obtained with aboutone eighth of the active concentration, which was unexpected.

Overall, we have described an antimicrobial hand soap with significantlyenhanced efficacy compared to currently available benzalkoniumchloride-based handsoaps. Despite avoiding traditional high foamingsurfactant classes, we were also able to demonstrate improved foamingcharacteristics compared to currently available cationic active-basedantimicrobial handsoaps. Finally, we were able to employ the use of mildsurfactants with skin conditioning properties.

Example 8

Further testing was performed to assess the stability of thecompositions in concentrated form and their retention of antimicrobialproperties when prepared in concentrated form and diluted to a usecomposition. A concentrated hand wash composition was prepared accordingto Table 15 (a concentration of about 10×). The concentrated formula wasdiluted by adding 9 parts water to 1 part concentrated formula toproduce the use solution for antimicrobial efficacy testing.

TABLE 15 Capryloyl/Caproyl Methyl Glucamide 05-10 CocamidopropylPG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate 2-7 Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate  7-13Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride 0.5-5  1,2-propylene glycol0.5-5  Lauryl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride 3-7 Glycerin 3-7Phenoxyethanol 0.5-2  Hexylene Glycol 3-8 Methyl Gluceth 20 0.5-5  MGDA0.5-2  Water Q.S.

The use solution was then tested against S. marcescens in a time killtest. The composition provided a Log₁₀ Reduction of 4.19 after 30 secondexposure time. This demonstrated that the compositions could be preparedas stable concentrated formulations and later diluted to use solutionsthat retain their antimicrobial efficacy.

The inventions being thus described, it will be obvious that the samemay be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the inventions. Since manyembodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention, the invention resides in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An antimicrobial composition comprising: fromabout 0.01 wt. % to about 2 wt. % of an antimicrobial active compoundcomprising one or more of the following benzalkonium chloride,benzethonium chloride, chlorhexidine gluconate, and mixtures thereof,wherein the antimicrobial active compound has antimicrobial activitytoward Gram positive and/or Gram negative microorganisms; from about 0.1wt. % to about 5 wt. % of a primary foaming agent, wherein the primaryfoaming agent comprises a glucosamide or a mixture of a glucosamide anda C8-C16 amine oxide derivative in a ratio of between about 90:10 andabout 50:50; and from about 65 wt. % to about 99.7 wt. % of a carrier;wherein the composition is a liquid or a gel and has a pH between about5 and about 9; wherein the antimicrobial composition provides an invitro log reduction of the microorganisms of greater than or equal to 3in about 30 seconds or less.
 2. The antimicrobial composition of claim1, wherein the primary foaming agent is a C8-C16 glucosamide and thecomposition contains less than 1 wt. % amine oxide.
 3. The antimicrobialcomposition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises asecondary foaming agent in a concentration between about 0.1 wt. % andabout 5 wt. %.
 4. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition further comprises a chelant comprising methylglycinediaceticacid in a concentration between about 0.01 wt. % and about 1 wt. %. 5.The antimicrobial composition of claim 1, wherein the compositionfurther comprises a foam structure enhancing agent in a concentrationbetween about 0.05 wt. % and about 3 wt. %.
 6. The antimicrobialcomposition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises ahumectant in a concentration between about 0.05 wt. % and about 1 wt. %.7. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1, wherein the compositionfurther comprises a preservative in a concentration between about 0.1wt. % and about 2 wt. %.
 8. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1,wherein the composition further comprises an emollient in aconcentration between about 0.01 wt. % and about 1 wt. %.
 9. Theantimicrobial composition of claim 2, wherein the primary foaming agentcomprises a C8-C16 glucosamide, and wherein the C8-C16 glucosamidecomprises capryloyl/caproyl methyl glucosamide, cocoyl methyl glucamide,lauroyl/myristoyl methyl glucamide, or a mixture thereof.
 10. Theantimicrobial composition of claim 3, wherein the composition furthercomprises a secondary foaming agent, which comprises trimethyl ammoniumchloride, palmitamidopropyl trimonium chloride, a phospholipidsurfactant, a phospholipid derivative surfactant, or mixtures thereof.11. The antimicrobial composition of claim 1, wherein the compositionprovides a log reduction of S. marcescens of greater than about 4 inabout 30 seconds in an in vitro assay.
 12. The antimicrobial compositionof claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises one or moreadditional functional ingredients.
 13. The antimicrobial composition ofclaim 1, wherein the composition is a liquid.
 14. A dilutableantimicrobial composition comprising: from about 0.3 wt. % to about 25wt. % of an antimicrobial active compound comprising one or more of thefollowing benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, chlorhexidinegluconate, didecyldimethylammonium chloride and mixtures thereof,wherein the antimicrobial active compound has antimicrobial activitytoward Gram positive and/or Gram negative microorganisms; from about 3wt. % to about 50 wt. % of a primary foaming agent, wherein the primaryfoaming agent comprises a glucosamide or a mixture of a glucosamide anda C8-C16 amine oxide derivative in a ratio of between about 90:10 andabout 50:50; and optionally from about 0 wt. % to about 96.5 wt. % of acarrier; wherein the composition is a liquid or a gel and has a pHbetween about 5 and about 9; wherein the antimicrobial compositionprovides an in vitro log reduction of the microorganisms of greater thanor equal to 3 in about 30 seconds or less.
 15. The antimicrobialcomposition of claim 14, wherein the primary foaming agent is a C8-C16glucosamide and the composition contains less than 1 wt. % amine oxide.16. The antimicrobial composition of claim 15, wherein the compositionfurther comprises a secondary foaming agent in a concentration betweenabout 1 wt. % and about 30 wt. %.
 17. The antimicrobial composition ofclaim 16, wherein the composition further comprises a chelant comprisingmethylglycinediacetic acid in a concentration between about 0.1 wt. %and about 10 wt. %.
 18. The antimicrobial composition of claim 17,wherein the composition further comprises a foam structure enhancingagent in a concentration between about 0.5 wt. % and about 35 wt. %. 19.The concentrated antimicrobial composition of claim 18, wherein thecomposition is diluted at a dilution ratio between 1:5 and 1:15 to forma ready to use antimicrobial hand soap.
 20. A method of preparing theantimicrobial composition of claim 1 comprising: (a) mixing theingredients of the composition.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein thecomposition is mixed until homogenous.
 22. The method of claim 21,wherein the method further comprises diluting the composition.